CHICOPEE – The Police Department’s detective bureau is investigating more than a dozen house breaks which have happened in the past month in the Chicopee Falls area.

“We are asking any residents to please give us a call as soon as possible if they see something,” Police Chief William Jebb said.

The breaks have occurred mostly in homes off East Street. There have also been a number of housebreaks in the adjacent neighborhood in Springfield so city police are working with Springfield detectives, Jebb said.

It is uncertain if all the crimes are related, but many show similar patterns. Some have happened in the early morning after people leave for work, he said.

The thefts have been mostly of small items including money, electronics and jewelry, Jebb said.

Thieves generally look for the easiest way to enter the home and, in some cases, they have forced open a partially-closed window. People are being warned to take some common sense measures to protect their homes including making sure windows and doors are locked before they leave, he said.